Putting My Mini Back On The Road

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Taffy - 17 Oct 2005 13:41 GMT

Well it's been over a year since I stored my 90' Mainstream Cooper in our
garage, so does anyone have any tips on getting it going again. I guess
it'll need an oil change and maybe the battery will need a charge but any
advice would be appreciated. I just need to fully insure it (its currently
on a storage insurance policy) Mot it and then tax it. It'll be good to have
another Issigonis Mini on the road instead of the BMW Blob.

Although I haven't checked it yet I'm concerned the clutch pedal might not
budge (well it happened on my niece and sisters Minis when they were laid
up) as it's the verto system and it has something to do with the slave
cylinder I believe, so will warming the engine up cure this? Forcing the
pedal down just knocks the pedal out of alignment, at least that's what
happened on my niece and sisters.

Taffy

Reply to this Message

TurboJo - 17 Oct 2005 19:51 GMT

I presume it is rust in the slave cylinder causing the piston to stick in
the bore, I doubt warming the engine will cure this. hopefully it won't
happen. I haven't heard of this although I have experience the clutch
sticking after a winter lay up. I have heard of brakes sticking on when left
with the handbrake on over the winter.

You can also get problems with brakes pistons/cylinders corroding in a
similar manner to the clutch slave cylinder piston so check them before
driving.

Cheers

> Well it's been over a year since I stored my 90' Mainstream Cooper in our
> garage, so does anyone have any tips on getting it going again. I guess
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Taffy

Reply to this Message

Mick Rouse - 17 Oct 2005 22:54 GMT

> Well it's been over a year since I stored my 90' Mainstream Cooper in our
> garage, so does anyone have any tips on getting it going again. I guess
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Taffy

Before you try this, make sure you use penetration oil (plusgas or the like)
on the arm on the clutch
(the one on the left hand side of the engine connecting to the slave
cylinder, so that it is freeish.)

Best way to free the clutch is make sure the car is in gear, (1st) and press
and depress the accellerator
on and off repeatedly so the car "jerks"... make sure that you keep your
clutch depressed.

You'll hear a hell of a bang, and that'll be your clutch free.... (i know it
sounds harsh but it works.)

Mick

Reply to this Message